Silky, smooth, and even skin is something we all want, right? Especially when it comes with little to no maintenance! Symptoms like dryness, sensitivity, uneven tone, or the small dark spots known as “strawberry legs” can make that feel impossible. While these little black dots are not painful, they can make us feel self-conscious and unsure of what is causing them, how to treat them, and even how to prevent them in the future. If you have strawberry legs and are wondering what may be the underlying cause and if there are any effective treatments that may work for you, read on!
Laser treatments are an excellent option for removing the appearance of strawberry legs. When you get rid of leg hair for good with targeted and precise treatments, you can prevent dead skin, oil, and bacteria from getting trapped in those pores, which causes the appearance of strawberry legs. No more follicles mean there is no place for those build-ups to occur! It is still important to exfoliate and moisturize, but laser hair removal can drastically improve the look and feel of your legs.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work to Treat Strawberry Legs?
As one of the more effective treatments for getting rid of strawberry legs, laser hair removal treatments work by targeting the dark pigment in the hair and destroying the follicle so no hair can grow back. This is achieved through the repetition of short high-energy pulses in conjunction with high heat in short bursts, which prevents hair growth of the dermis. This not only prevents re-growth but also ensures oils and bacteria do not get trapped with the hair follicle causing dark spots that look like strawberry legs. Laser hair removal is a safe, effective, and FDA-approved treatment that makes legs look and feel good all year round!
At BUDDIGA Family | Allergy | Skin | Immunology, complete leg treatment can be done in about three to four sessions and requires no downtime before resuming your normal activities.
What Are Strawberry Legs and What Do They Look Like?
Strawberry legsdead skin cells
What Causes Strawberry Legs?
Now that we know a little more about the condition, let’s talk about what actually causes it. The fact is that strawberry legs is not a condition but rather a symptom of several different skin issues. Most times, clogged pores or hair follicles put you at a higher risk for this appearance developing.
Shaving
Shaving can open clogged pores or hair follicles called comedones, exposing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to the air. When air mixes with these substances, it turns black, which can appear as strawberry legs. Shaving with an old or dull razor can also be a cause.
Folliculitis
This occurs when hair follicles in the skin become inflamed, infected, or irritated. At first, this can show up as red bumps, but they eventually darken and resemble strawberry legs. Folliculitis is caused by damage to the hair follicle that allows dirt and bacteria to enter, which can be caused by shaving, waxing, or wearing tight clothes. You may also see folliculitis develop after spending time in a hot tub or after working out. The skin is more prone to damage when it is wet, so folliculitis most often develops in areas where the skin is covered by clothing.
Clogged Pores
Any time the pores on the skin are clogged, it will begin to produce more oil, and when pores are opened while shaving, the oil that is exposed to the air will turn black. This can leave you with those tiny black dots. Those with thicker hair, larger pores, or lighter skin are naturally more at risk for strawberry legs.
Dry Skin
Extremely dry skin can’t cause strawberry legs on its own, but it puts you at higher risk due to the sensitivity of the skin. If you shave over dry, sensitive skin, you are more likely to develop razor burn and irritation which could lead to the appearance of those darkened pores.
Keratosis Pilaris
Sometimes referred to as “chicken skin,” keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that causes tiny red bumps to cover the skin, usually appearing on the upper arms and thighs. These bumps are caused by plugs of dead cells, and while this is a genetic condition, it does not usually require treatment.
Treating Strawberry Legs: Other Ways to Combat Appearance
To help improve the look and feel of the skin and get rid of the appearance of strawberry legs, the best thing you can do is address the underlying cause or causes. However, there are a few things you can do to support your skin in the short term.
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1. Swap Out Your Razors
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2. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating is great at removing dead skin cells which can clog pores and hair follicles. Simply take a washcloth and gently massage your skin in the shower then follow that up with a moisturizer.
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3. Moisturize Every Day
Moisturizing the skin every day is a great way to prevent dryness and irritation that can lead to strawberry legs. Be sure to moisturize after you shower and especially after you shave to help lock in moisture.
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4. Use a Chemical Exfoliant
Chemical exfoliants are acids that get rid of dead skin cells to help improve or increase cell turnover. It sounds harsh, but it’s not! Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two more popular options that dissolve dead skin cells on the surface and can be washed away with water. If you try this method, be sure to follow up with sunscreen as this can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Can You Prevent Strawberry Legs?
The simple answer: yes! Always be sure to take precautions like swapping out your razors more frequently, staying on top of moisturizing your skin, exfoliating in the shower, and nipping the symptoms in the bud by getting laser hair removal are all great ways to prevent strawberry legs.
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